Backcountry Campsite #38

For North Carolina's adventurous spirits and seasoned backpackers, Backcountry Campsite #38 offers an unparalleled opportunity to truly immerse yourselves in the rugged beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This isn't a drive-up campground with amenities; it's a genuine backcountry experience, demanding effort but delivering immense rewards. Located atop the majestic Mount Sterling, just inside the North Carolina border of the park, Campsite #38 promises a night spent under a canopy of stars, far from the hustle and bustle, at an elevation above 5,000 feet.

This campsite is a testament to the wild heart of the Smokies, offering a serene escape for those willing to undertake the journey. It's a place where the air is crisp, the views are expansive, and the sense of accomplishment is profound. While certainly not for the faint of heart, the effort involved in reaching Campsite #38 is consistently described as "worth it" by those who've experienced its unique charm. In this overview, we'll guide you through what makes Backcountry Campsite #38 a premier destination for serious local hikers and campers, detailing its challenging but rewarding location, essential features for a primitive stay, and why it stands as a true highlight of the North Carolina section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Backcountry Campsite #38 is located atop Mount Sterling within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its general address pointing to Waynesville, NC 28785, USA. While Waynesville is the nearest town, accessing this campsite requires a dedicated backcountry hike, placing it deep within the wilderness of the park. Its position atop Mount Sterling, above the 5,000-foot mark (specifically 5,842 feet at the summit), means it offers a unique high-elevation camping experience that differentiates it from lower-lying sites.

Accessibility to Campsite #38 is achieved primarily through challenging hiking trails. One common and rigorous route is a "relentless climb from Big Creek," involving an impressive 4,200 feet of elevation gain in just under 7 miles. Other trails also lead to Mount Sterling, but they generally involve significant effort and elevation changes. This makes the campsite a destination for experienced backpackers and those seeking a demanding but rewarding journey. While it's noted as "less than an hour from Aville" (Asheville, NC), this refers to the driving distance to a trailhead, not the campsite itself. The actual hike in ensures a truly secluded and wild experience, far removed from vehicular noise or typical tourist crowds. For North Carolina adventurers, this represents a prime opportunity to test their endurance and be truly rewarded with stunning natural beauty.

Services Offered (specific to a primitive backcountry campsite):

• Designated Camping Areas: The campsite provides several flat areas suitable for pitching tents, some even with grass for added comfort.

• Bear Hang: A good bear hang is provided, which is crucial for safely storing food and scented items away from wildlife, particularly bears, which are prevalent in the park. Hikers should be prepared to utilize this or bring their own bear-resistant canisters.

• Fire Ring: There is likely a designated area for campfires, though specific details about a formal fire ring are not provided. Campers are permitted to collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires, but should be aware of specific park regulations regarding firewood.

• Water Source: A water source is available approximately 0.4 miles downhill from the campsite to the north. It is critical for campers to filter or treat all water from natural sources before consumption.

• Permit System: As with all backcountry campsites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a permit is required for all overnight stays. These permits must be obtained in advance and specify the campsite for each night of the trip.

• Leave No Trace Principles: While not a service provided by the park, the expectation for all campers is to strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles, meaning packing out all trash and minimizing impact on the environment.

Features / Highlights:

• High-Elevation Camping: Situated above 5,000 feet, offering a unique climate and ecological zone compared to lower elevations, and often cooler temperatures.

• Stunning Panoramic Views: From the unofficial observation deck and the abandoned fire tower right at the campsite, visitors can enjoy "superb views in all directions," including surrounding mountains and potentially distant peaks.

• Historic Fire Tower: An abandoned fire tower at the campsite serves as an iconic landmark and an "unofficial observation deck," providing a tangible link to the park's history and offering elevated vistas.

• Excellent Stargazing Opportunities: The remote, high-elevation location minimizes light pollution, allowing for "several open areas to look at the stars" and potentially breathtaking night sky views.

• True Wilderness Experience: The difficulty of the climb and the primitive nature of the campsite ensure a deep immersion in the wilderness, far from crowds and developed areas.

• Proximity to Challenging Hikes: The campsite is a destination in itself and a strategic point for further exploration of challenging trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Natural Surroundings: Experience the unique high-altitude forests, including Fraser fir and red spruce, and the associated flora and fauna of this specific ecological niche.

Contact Information:

Address: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Waynesville, NC 28785, USA (Note: This is a general area address; direct access is by hiking).

For obtaining permits and detailed information about backcountry camping regulations and trail conditions:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office:

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (for backcountry specific inquiries)

Reservations for backcountry permits are typically made online through the National Park Service website or recreation.gov. It is crucial to secure a permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons.

For North Carolina's dedicated outdoor enthusiasts, Backcountry Campsite #38 on Mount Sterling represents the pinnacle of a challenging yet deeply rewarding wilderness experience. This campsite is particularly suitable for locals who have already explored many of the more accessible trails and campgrounds and are now seeking a true test of their backpacking skills combined with unparalleled natural beauty. The demanding climb to its high-elevation perch ensures that only those committed to the journey will experience its magic, guaranteeing a more secluded and authentic encounter with the Great Smoky Mountains.

The payoff for the effort is immense. Spending a night above 5,000 feet, with "superb views in all directions" from the historic fire tower, offers a perspective of our state's natural grandeur that few ever witness. The clear, dark skies provide a phenomenal opportunity for stargazing, a rare treat in our increasingly light-polluted world. Furthermore, the presence of a reliable bear hang and a nearby water source (though requiring treatment) speaks to the thoughtful design of this primitive site, ensuring safety and practicality for experienced backpackers.

For those in North Carolina seeking to truly disconnect, challenge themselves physically, and forge a deeper connection with the wild heart of the Smoky Mountains, Backcountry Campsite #38 is an iconic destination. It's not just a place to sleep; it's a transformative experience, offering stunning vistas, profound quietude, and a sense of achievement that only a genuine backcountry adventure can provide. This campsite is a call to the wild, inviting local adventurers to discover one of the most spectacular and untouched corners of their own backyard.

Backcountry Campsite #38

Waynesville, NC 28785, USA